The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Every morning takes a chance, it might not come around
So it's maybe coming later
A preacher man on my t.v.
Says he's got the streets for me
And prays you write the letter
Heavenly Father tell me how it's gonna be
So that I can try to make it better
Restless bars, you and I suppose they are
For blowing it all away
That's why I say
It takes more than love to get it on
You know it takes more than strength to carry on
It takes more than words to get it wrong
It takes more than love to get it on
Making us crazy, burnin' our bridges
Taking them out one at a time
Goodbyes you know don't come easy
Did you want to go, for the thrill of it all
Why d'you want to go cause you had no reason
For blowin' it all away
[Chorus:]
It takes more than love to get it on
You know it takes more than strength to carry on
It takes more than words to get it wrong
It takes more than love to get it on
Ships are sailing and you know your aim is true
The figureheads have broken in your mind
You paint yourself a picture, and it turns to black and white
And settle with the people one more time
[Chorus]
So it's maybe coming later
A preacher man on my t.v.
Says he's got the streets for me
And prays you write the letter
Heavenly Father tell me how it's gonna be
So that I can try to make it better
Restless bars, you and I suppose they are
For blowing it all away
That's why I say
It takes more than love to get it on
You know it takes more than strength to carry on
It takes more than words to get it wrong
It takes more than love to get it on
Making us crazy, burnin' our bridges
Taking them out one at a time
Goodbyes you know don't come easy
Did you want to go, for the thrill of it all
Why d'you want to go cause you had no reason
For blowin' it all away
[Chorus:]
It takes more than love to get it on
You know it takes more than strength to carry on
It takes more than words to get it wrong
It takes more than love to get it on
Ships are sailing and you know your aim is true
The figureheads have broken in your mind
You paint yourself a picture, and it turns to black and white
And settle with the people one more time
[Chorus]
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